Dick Institute facts for kids
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| Established | 1901 |
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| Location | Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Type | Visitor attraction, museum and library |
| Collections | Historical artefacts concerning Kilmarnock and its history |
| Founder | James' Dick |
| Owner | East Ayrshire Leisure, on behalf of East Ayrshire Council |
The Dick Institute is a fantastic museum and library located in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It's a really important cultural spot in the south-west of Scotland. This amazing place has the biggest museum and art gallery in all of Ayrshire. It's also the main library for East Ayrshire, making it a hub for learning and fun!
Contents
Discover the Dick Institute's History
The Dick Institute first opened its doors way back in 1901. A kind man named James Dick paid for it to be built. He was born in Kilmarnock in 1823, but he lived in Australia.
Just eight years after it opened, a big fire badly damaged the building. Some of the museum's special collections were lost. But don't worry, it reopened in 1911! Later, in 1917, during World War I, it was even used as a hospital to help people.
What You Can See Today
The Dick Institute always has exciting things happening. They host important exhibitions from all over the country. You can also see their own permanent collections. Plus, they show off cool work by modern artists, filmmakers, and even talented young people from the local area. This means the Dick Institute is becoming famous for its awesome exhibitions and events!
Past Exhibitions and Artists
Many famous exhibitions have been shown here. These include displays about popular characters like Miffy, Quentin Blake, and Wallace and Gromit. Other cool shows have featured "Cutting Edge," "Radical Nature," and even works by Bill Viola.
Lots of Scotland's top modern artists have also had their work displayed. Artists like Kenny Hunter, Simon Ward, and Christine Borland have shared their creations. The institute also helps new artists by linking with big shows like "Ayrshire Innovators" and "Creative Burns."
Explore the Museum Wings
The South Museum and the Loom Room tell amazing stories about the local history of the area. You can even find a special Johnnie Walker display there. It shows cool pictures and items from the company, along with some from the institute's own collections.
In the North Museum wing, you'll discover objects from nature and archaeology. These displays have been updated to show even more items. Some of these have never been seen by the public before!
Library and More
On the ground floor, you'll find the main lending library. There's also a special junior library just for kids. Plus, there's a learning centre and a cafe where you can grab a snack. The whole building is easy to access for everyone, including those with disabilities.
